Isotretinoin is a medication primarily used to treat cystic acne. Rarely, it is also used to prevent certain skin cancers and can be used in the treatment of brain, pancreatic and other cancers. It is used to treat harlequin-type ichthyosis, a usually lethal skin disease, and lamellar ichthyosis. It is a retinoid, meaning it is related to vitamin A, and is found in small quantities naturally in the body. Isotretinoin is currently the standard of care for treatment of severe, scarring cystic acne. The most common adverse effects are a transient worsening of acne, dry lips, dry skin, and a propensity to sunburn easily. Other side effects are rare but do include: muscle aches and pains (myalgias), headaches. Isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects due to in utero exposure because of the molecule's close resemblance to retinoic acid, a natural vitamin A derivative which controls normal embryonic development.
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